Friday 01 August
2008, San José, Costa Rica
Menos Pachanga, Menos
Fiesta. Time To Tighten
The Belt, Says Central
Bank President
Annual Romeria In
Its Last Days
Tax on International
Banks To Finance Diesel
Subsidy
Supermarkets
Overcharging Customers
Berrocal For President
|
Annual Romeria In Its
Last Days
On foot, braving the
weather, some two
million "romeros" are
taking their final
footsteps to Cartago to
honour the Patron Saint
of Costa Rica, La Virgen
de Los Angeles or "La
Negrita" as she is
commonly known.
Many began their trip
more than a week ago,
braving the cold of the
"Cerro de la Muerte",
while others started
their trek this morning,
while many more will
join the annual
tradition tonight to be
at the Basilica in
Cartago by morning.
Romeros from all over
the country, from far
away places like San
Visto de Coto Brus, near
the Panama border and La
Cruz near the Nicaragua
border to the north,
will be converging on
the old Metropolis by
morning tomorrow to take
part. A large numbers
are also in Costa Rica
from other parts of the
world to pay homage to
La Negrita.
The Cruz Roja (Red
Cross) has more than
1.000 people working
this weekend attending
to the romeros, offering
first aid, at 27 check
points along the route.
Last year the Red Cross
offered aid to 3.617
people who suffered
mainly muscle spasms and
arterial pressure
problems.
In addition, members of
the Fuerza Pública
(police) will be out in
full force offering
security, the Policía de
Tránsito (traffic
police) will be
controlling traffic to
and around the Basilica.
Since 4am this morning,
the bus operator Lumaca,
will have continuous
service between San José
and Cartago, using the
entire fleet of 250
buses to move people to
and from the Basilica.
If you decide to make
the walk to Cartago,
here a few basis common
sense recommendations:
- Wear light clothing,
bright colours and lose
fitting the best
- Do not consume alcohol
before and during the
walk
- Do not walk alone
- Do not carry
valuables, like jewelry,
cash and credit cards
- Do not eat food
offered by the food
stands
- Make sure to take
along lots of liquids
and keep hydrated at all
times
- Carry sunblock and a
hat
- If walking at night
carry a flashlight and
wear reflecting clothing
- Carry your ID with you
- Stay on the approved
route. Do not wander off
in areas unknown
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
